Soft Woods and Hard Woods differ in terms of their origin, their texture, density, and strength. These differences make them opt for specific purposes in the field of construction. Mostly softwood is used for windows or less dense furniture elements. When it comes to high-quality construction, like decks and beams, hardwoods are employed.
The basic differences between softwood and hardwood in the field of construction and civil engineering are briefly explained below.
Sl.No
|
Description
|
Soft Woods
|
Hard Woods
|
1
|
Annual
Rings
|
Distinct
|
Indistinct
|
2
|
Medullary
Rays
|
Indistinct
|
Distinct
|
3
|
Weight
|
Light
|
Heavy
|
4
|
Colour
|
Light
|
Dark
|
5
|
Origin-Tress
|
Coniferous
Trees
|
Deciduous
Trees
|
6
|
Structure
|
Resinous
& Splits Easily
|
Non
resinous and Close grained
|
7
|
Strength
|
Strong
during the direct pull and weak resistance to thrust and shear
|
structure
with equal strength throughout
|
8
|
Fire
Resistance
|
Poor
|
More
|
9
|
Cost
|
Less
expensive compared with hardwood
|
Expensive
|
10
|
Growth
Rate
|
Faster
Growth Rate
|
Slower
Growth Rate
|
11
|
Examples
|
Pine,
redwood, spruce, and yew
|
Mahagony,
oak, teak
|
Also Read:Â Structure of a Tree - Timber Construction
Tags: Foundation, Construction
CIVIL ENGINEERING